Dual-functional poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)/poly(2-(dimethylamine)ethyl methacrylate)mixed brushes with switchable protein adsorption and antibacterial properties

Herein,binary mixed brushes consisting of poly(2-methyl-2-oxazoline)(PMOXA)and poly(2-(dimethylamine)ethyl methacrylate)(PDMAEMA)with different chain lengths were fabricated by successive grafting of NH_(2)-terminated PMOXA and SH-terminated PDMAEMA onto polydopamine-anchored substrates.The mixed-brush coating was characterized by variable-angle spectroscopic ellipsometry,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,zeta potential measurements,water contact angle,and atomic force microscopy.The mixed brushes showed tunable surface charge,wettability,and surface roughness,depending on the degree of PDMAEMA swelling under varying pH and ionic strength(Ⅰ).Then the adsorption behaviors of pepsin,bovine serum albumin(BSA),γ-globulin,and lysozyme,four very different proteins with regard to isoelectric point,on the mixed brushes coating were studied by using fluorescence microscopy and surface plasmon resonance.When the chain length of PDMAEMA was about twice as long as PMOXA,the mixed brushes not only had high adsorption capacity for pepsin,BSA,and y-globulin but also had a desorption efficiency of 86.9%,87.1%,and 93.5%,respectively.It is explained that electrostatic attraction between the protonated PDMAEMA and positively charged acidic proteins(pepsin and BSA,whose isoelectric points were below the pK_(a) of PDMAEMA)would drive the intensive adsorption(at pH 3,I=10^(-3)mol·L^(-1)for pepsin,and pH 5,I=10^(-5)mol·L^(-1)for BSA),while desorption was dominated by the hydrophilic PMOXA when PDMAEMA was shrinking(at pH 7,I=10^(-1)mol·L^(-1)for pepsin,and pH 9,I=10^(-1)mol·L^(-1)for BSA).Furthermore,the isoelectric precipitation led to the adsorption of neutral protein(γ-globulin,whose isoelectric point was near the pK_a of PDMAEMA)at pH 7,I=10^(-5)mol·L^(-1),while electrostatic repulsion and antifouling PMOXA triggered the desorption of y-globulin at pH 3,I-10^(-1)mol·L^(-1).However,alkaline protein(lysozyme,whose isoelectric point was higher than the pK_(a) of PDMAEMA)exhibited slight adsorption on PMOXA/PDMAEMA mixed brushes under test conditions,regardless of whether PMOXA or PDMAEMA occupied the outermost layer.The antibacterial property of the mixed brushes against Escherichia coli was investigated.PMOXA/PDMAEMA mixed brushes showed significant bactericidal activity at pH 3,I=10^(-3)mol·L^(-1),while the rinse of pH 9,I=10^(-1)mol·L^(-1)solution could remove most of the residual bacteria.This work not only enables controlled adsorption of proteins with different isoelectric points but also ensures that the surface of the coating is minimized from bacterial contamination.

Wavelength-interval switchable Brillouin–Raman random fiber laser through Brillouin pump manipulation

A wavelength-interval switchable Brillouin–Raman random fiber laser(BRRFL) based on Brillouin pump(BP) manipulation is proposed in this paper. The proposed wavelength-interval switchable BRRFL has a full-open cavity configuration, featuring multiwavelength output with wavelength interval of double Brillouin frequency shifts. Through simultaneously injecting the BP light and its first-order stimulated Brillouin-scattered light into the cavity, the laser output exhibits a wavelength interval of single Brillouin frequency shift. The wavelength-interval switching effect can be manipulated by controlling the power of the first-order stimulated Brillouin scattering light. The experimental results show the multiwavelength output can be switched between double Brillouin frequency shift multiwavelength emission with a broad bandwidth of approximately 60 nm and single Brillouin frequency shift multiwavelength emission of 44 nm. The flexible optically controlled random fiber laser with switchable wavelength interval makes it useful for a wide range of applications and holds significant potential in the field of wavelength-division multiplexing optical communication.

Self-supported metal(Fe, Co, Ni)-embedded nitrogen-doping carbon nanorod framework as trifunctional electrode for flexible Zn-air batteries and switchable water electrolysis

To meet the practical demand of wearable/portable electronics, developing high-efficiency and durable multifunctional catalyst and in-situ assembling catalysts into electrodes with flexible features are urgently needed but challenging. Herein, we report a simple route to fabricate bendable multifunctional electrodes by in-situ carbonization of metal ion absorbed polyaniline precursor. Alloy nanoparticles encapsulated in graphite layer are uniformly distributed in the N-doping carbon nanorod skeleton. Profiting from the favorable free-standing structure and the cooperative effect of metallic nanoparticles, graphitic layer and N doped-carbon architecture, the trifunctional electrodes exhibit prominent activities and stability toward HER, OER and ORR. Notably, due to the protection of carbon layer, the electrocatalysts show the reversible catalytic HER/OER properties. The overall water splitting device can continuously work for 12 h under frequent exchanges of cathode and anode. Importantly, the bendable metal air batteries fabricated by self-supported electrode not only displays the outstanding battery performance,achieving a decent peak power density(125 mW cm^(-2)) and exhibiting favorable charge-discharge durability of 22 h, but also holds superb flexible stability. Specially, a lightweight self-driven water splitting unit is demonstrated with stable hydrogen production.

Diode-pumped wavelength-switchable visible Pr^(3+):YLF laser and vortex laser around 670 nm

Here we developed a novel wavelength-switchable visible continuous-wave(CW)Pr^(3+):YLF laser around 670 nm.In single-wavelength laser operations,the maximum output powers of 2.60 W,1.26 W,and 0.21 W,the maximum slope efficiencies of 34.7%,27.3%,and 12.3%were achieved with good beam qualities(M^(2)<1.6)at 670.4 nm,674.2 nm,and 678.9 nm,respectively.Record-high output power(2.6 W)and record-high slope efficiency(34.7%)were achieved for the Pr^(3+):YLF laser operation at 670.4 nm.This is also the first demonstration of longer-wavelength peaks beyond 670 nm in the^(3)P_(1)→^(3)F_(3)transition of Pr^(3+):YLF.In multi-wavelength laser operations,the dual-wavelength lasings,including 670.1/674.8 nm,670.1/679.1 nm,and 675.0/679.4 nm,were obtained by fine adjustment of one/two etalons within the cavity.Furthermore,the triple-wavelength lasings,e.g.672.2/674.2/678.6 nm and 670.4/674.8/679.4 nm,were successfully demonstrated.Moreover,both the first-order vortex lasers(LG_(0)^(+1)and LG_(0)^(-1)modes)at 670.4 nm were obtained by off-axis pumping.

Switchable diurnal radiative cooling by doped VO_(2)

This paper presents design and simulation of a switchable radiative cooler that exploits phase transition in vanadium di-oxide to turn on and off in response to temperature.The cooler consists of an emitter and a solar reflector separated by a spacer.The emitter and the reflector play a role of emitting energy in mid-infrared and blocking incoming solar energy in ultraviolet to near-infrared regime,respectively.Because of the phase transition of doped vanadium dioxide at room tem-perature,the emitter radiates its thermal energy only when the temperature is above the phase transition temperature.The feasibility of cooling is simulated using real outdoor conditions.We confirme that the switchable cooler can keep a desired temperature,despite change in environmental conditions.

Switchable dry adhesive based on shape memory polymer with hemispherical indenters for transfer printing

Transfer printing based on switchable adhesive is essential for developing unconventional systems,including flexible electronics,stretchable electronics,and micro light-emitting diode(LED)displays.Here we report a design of switchable dry adhesive based on shape memory polymer(SMP)with hemispherical indenters,which offers a continuously tunable and reversible adhesion through the combination of the preloading effect and the thermal actuation of SMP.Experimental and numerical studies reveal the fundamental aspects of design,fabrication,and operation of the switchable dry adhesive.Demonstrations of this adhesive concept in transfer printing of flat objects(e.g.,silicon wafers),three-dimensional(3D)objects(e.g.,stainless steel balls),and rough objects(e.g.,frosted glasses)in two-dimensional(2D)or 3D layouts illustrate its unusual manipulation capabilities in heterogeneous material integration applications.

A thermal actuated switchable dry adhesive with high reversibility for transfer printing

Transfer printing based on switchable adhesive that heterogeneously integrates materials is essential to develop novel electronic systems,such as flexible electronics and micro LED displays.Here,we report a robust design of a thermal actuated switchable dry adhesive,which features a stiff sphere embedded in a thermally responsive shape memory polymer(SMP)substrate and encapsulated by an elastomeric membrane.This construct bypasses the unfavorable micro-and nano-fabrication processes and yields an adhesion switchability of over1000 by combining the peel-rate dependent effect of the elastomeric membrane and the thermal actuation of the sub-surface embedded stiff sphere.Experimental and numerical studies reveal the underlying thermal actuated mechanism and provide insights into the design and operation of the switchable adhesive.Demonstrations of this concept in stamps for transfer printing of fragile objects,such as silicon wafers,silicon chips,and inorganic micro-LED chips,onto challenging non-adhesive surfaces illustrate its potential in heterogeneous material integration applications,such as flexible electronics manufacturing and deterministic assembly.

Strategy for Synthesizing Novel Acetamidines as CO_2-Triggered Switchable Surfactants via Acetimidates

In this study, we developed a strategy for using the Scoggins procedure in the synthesis of acetamidines as novel C02-triggered switchable surfactants via acetimidates by effectively tuning the chemical equilibrium. The as-synthesized N'-alkyl-N,Ndiethylacetamidines exhibit excellent CO_2/N_2 switchability and their bicarbonate salts have the ability to emulsify oil-water mixtures.

Jatropha curcas L. oil extracted by switchable solvent N, N-dimethylcyclohexylamine for biodiesel production

Biodiesel, which is a renewable and environmentally friendly fuel, has been studied widely to help remedy increasing environmental problems. One of the key processes of biodiesel production is oil extraction from oilseed materials. Switchable solvents can reversibly change from molecular to ionic solvents under atmospheric CO_2,and can be used for oil extraction. N, N-dimethylcyclohexylamine(DMCHA), a switchable solvent, was used to extract oil from Jatropha curcas L. oil seeds to produce biodiesel. The appropriate extraction conditions were:1:2 ratio of seed mass to DMCHA volume, 0.3–1 mm particle size, 200 r·min-1agitation speed, 60 min extraction time, and 30 °C extraction temperature. The extraction ratio was about 83%. This solvent extracted the oil more efficiently than hexane, and is much less volatile. By bubbling CO_2 under 1 atm and 25 °C for 5 h, the oil was separated, and DMCHA was recovered after releasing CO_2 by bubbling N_2 under 1 atm and 60 °C for 2 h. The residual solvent content in oil was about 1.7%. Selectivity of DMCHA was evaluated by detecting the protein and sugar content in oil. Using the oil with residual solvent to conduct transesterification process, the oil conversion ratio was approximately 99.5%.

Tunable and Switchable Narrow Bandwidth Semiconductor-Saturable Absorber Mirror Mode-Locked Yb-Doped Fiber Laser Delivering Different Pulse Widths

The wavelength-tunable and switchable narrow bandwidth mode-locking operation is demonstrated in an all fiber laser based on semiconductor-saturable absorber mirror （SESAM）. Two narrow-band fiber Bragg gratings centered at 1029.9nm and 1032nm respectively with a polarization controller inserted between them are used to realize the wavelength switchable between 1029.9nm and 1032nm. The laser delivers different pulse widths of 7.5ps for 1030nm and 20ps for 1032nm. The maximum output power for both could reach -6.5mW at single pulse operation. The output wavelength couM be tuned to about 0.gnm intervals ranging from 1030.2nm to 1031.1 nm and from 1032.15nm to 1033.7nm with the temperature change of the fiber Bragg grating, respectively.

A CO_(2)/N_(2)-Responsive Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Novel Switchable Surface-Active Alumina Nanoparticles

This article reports the development of a novel switchable Pickering emulsion with rapid CO_(2)/N_(2) respon-siveness,which is stabilized using alumina nanoparticles hydrophobized in situ with a trace amount of a switchable superamphiphile via electrostatic interactions.With the introduction of CO_(2) for 30 s,the Pickering emulsion can be spontaneously demulsified with complete phase separation;the emulsion can then be reconstructed in response to N_(2) purging for 10 min followed by homogenization.Moreover,the stable Pickering emulsion can be stored for more than 60 days at room temperature with-out any visible change.The CO_(2)/N_(2)-responsive behavior of the switchable Pickering emulsion is attribu-ted to the reversible desorption/adsorption of the switchable surfactants on the surfaces of the alumina nanoparticles upon the alternative bubbling of CO_(2)or N_(2).Thanks to the simple fabrication of the surfac-tant and the hydrophobization of the alumina nanoparticles,this research has developed an extremely facile and cost-efficient method for preparing a rapidly CO_(2)/N_(2)-responsive switchable Pickering emul-sion.The dosage of the switchable surfactants has been significantly reduced by nearly 1500 times(from 150 to 0.1 mmol·L^(-1))as compared with the dosage used in previous studies.Moreover,the as-prepared CO_(2)/N_(2)-responsive switchable Pickering emulsion is environmentally friendly,mild,and nontoxic;thus,it holds great potential for practical applications with considerable economic and environmental benefits,such as oil transport,fossil fuel production,environmental gases detection,and the encapsulation and release of active ingredients.

Switchable vortex beam polarization state terahertz multi-layer metasurface

We propose a switchable vortex beam polarization state terahertz multi-layer metasurface,which consists of threelayer elliptical metal crosses,four-layer dielectrics,and two-layer hollow metal circles,which are alternately superimposed.Under the normal incidence of left-handed circularly polarized(LCP)wave and the right-handed circularly polarized(RCP)waves,the proposed structure realizes three independent control functions,i.e.,focused and vortex beam,vortex beam with different topological charges,and polarization states switching,and azimuth switching of two vortex beams with different polarization states.The results show that the proposed metasurface provides a new idea for investigating the multifunctional terahertz wave modulation devices.

Synthesis and characterization of switchable ionic compound based on DBU, CH_3OH, and CO_2

Switchable ionic compounds have wide applications in chemical processes.A switchable ionic compound based on 1,8-diazabicyclo-[5.4.0]-undec-7-ene(DBU),CH_3OH and CO_2 was synthesized and characterized.DBU/CH_3OH/CO_2 ionic compound was prepared in the presence of excess methanol,and then the excess methanol was removed by reduced pressure distillation in CO_2 atmosphere.The product yield(100%) reached the theoretical maximum for the first time.Its structure was identified by NMR,FT-IR,and XRD.The crystal product shows 8strong peaks in XRD at 2θ values of 16.0547°,16.4308°,16.7651°,18.8714°,19.2140°,21.9471°,22.0780°,and25.5661°.Its decomposition onset temperature(53 ℃) was affirmed by TGA,which is lower than its melting point.And its ionic switch point was measured by conductivity.

Switchable terahertz polarization converter based on VO_(2)metamaterial

A switchable terahertz(THz)polarization converter based on vanadium dioxide(VO_(2)) metamaterial is proposed.It is a 5-layer structure which containing metal split-ring-resonator(SRR),the first polyimide(PI)spacer,VO_(2) film,the second PI spacer,and metal grating.It is an array structure and the period in x and y directions is 100μm.The performance is simulated by using finite integration technology.The simulation results show that,when the VO_(2) is in insulating state,the device is a transmission polarization converter.The cross-linear polarization conversion can be realized in a broadband of0.70 THz,and the polarization conversion rate(PCR)is higher than 99%.Under thermal stimulus,the VO_(2) changes from insulating state to metallic state,and the device is a reflective polarization converter.The linear-to-circular polarization conversion can be successfully realized in a broadband of 0.50 THz,and the PCR is higher than 88%.

Recent Progress in Ferroelectric Diodes: Explorations in Switchable Diode Effect

Switchable diode effect in ferroelectric diodes has attracted much attention for its potential applications in novel nonvolatile memories. We briefly review recent investigations on the switchable diode effect in ferroelectric diodes both experimentally and theoretically. Many recent studies demonstrate that the interfacial barrier between the metal-ferroelectrics could be modulated by the polarization charges, and the ferroelectric polarization that can be reversed by an external electric field plays a dominant role in the switchable diode effect. Moreover, we review a self-consistent numerical model, which can well describe the switchable diode effect in ferroelectric diodes. Based on this model, it can be predicted that it is a better choice to select metals with a smaller permittivity, such as noble metals, to obtain a more pronounced switchable diode effect in ferroelectric diodes.

Switchable and tunable triple-channel bandpass filter

A triple-channel bandpass filter with switchable and tunable functions is proposed,which is based on a triple-mode cross resonator.The varactors and switching diodes are loaded at the end of the resonator.Because of the use of switches,resonators have four working states:conventional single-mode,two dual-modes,and one triple-mode.The varactor makes the channel independently adjustable.Finally,a triple-channel bandpass filter with switchable and tunable functions is designed by using two identical triple-mode resonator coupling structures.To solve the problem of whether each channel in the multi-channel filter is independently adjustable,this paper gives a simple and rigorous judgment method,namely rank criterion,which is a necessary and sufficient condition for each channel to be independently adjustable.The method of designing an element variable coupling matrix(EVCM)is adopted,which can not only obtain the desired frequency response through adjustable elements but also help to select resonators and coupling modes in the actual circuit design.The final circuit size of the designed filter is 0.29λg×0.26λg.The measured results are in good agreement with the simulation results.

Switchable directional scattering based on spoof core-shell plasmonic structures

Manipulating directional electromagnetic scattering plays a crucial role in the realization of exotic optical phenomenon.Here,we show that the spoof plasmonic structure is able to achieve the switching of directional scattering direction on a subwavelength scale by inserting a perfect electric conductor(PEC)cylinder into the hollow of the spoof plasmonic structure.Based on the modal analysis,it is found that the electromagnetic response of the core-shell structure not only is well excited,but also exhibits the directional scattering by interference between the electric and magnetic dipolar resonances.We also discuss the influence of PEC cylinder radius on the performance of the directional scattering.Finally,the active tunable directional scattering is realized by switching between the two states.This work provides a feasible pathway to the subwavelength manipulation of electromagnetic wave.Moreover,it offers a simple method to switch the directional scattering direction.The proposed design approach can be easily applied to digital electromagnetic wave communication and associated applications.

Generation of Multipartite Entangled States Using Switchable Coupling of Cooper-Pair-Boxes

We propose a scheme for a switchable coupling between several Cooper-pair boxes in the charge regime. The switch is embodied in a SQUID element contained in the center conductor of a transmission-line resonator. Altering the flux bias through the SQUID allows for changing the effective resonator length. Thus the position of the nodes and anti-nodes of the relevant eigenmodes changes and leads to a variable interaction strength between qubit and cavity vacuum field. For the coupled qubits the interaction is dispersive. An example for the application of this switch is the generation of multipartite entangled states for three and four charge qubits. Although used as a discrete switch in the present proposal, the combined system of SQUID module integrated into the transmission line may be operated continuously as well.

Magnetic, dielectric and luminescence synergetic switchable effects in molecular material [Et_(3)NCH_(2)Cl]_(2)[MnBr_(4)]

The application of multifunctional materials in various fields such as electronics and signal processors has attracted massive attention. Herein, a new organic-inorganic hybrid material [Et_(3)NCH_(2)Cl]_(2)[MnBr_(4)](1) is reported, which contains two organic amines cations and one [MnBr_(4)] tetrahedral ion. Compound 1 has a dielectric anomaly signal at 338 K, which proves its thermodynamic phase transition. The single crystal measurements at 200 K and 380 K show that the phase transition of compound 1 is caused by the thermal vibration of organic amine cations in the lattice. Moreover, compound 1 shows yellow-green luminescence under UV light irradiation. The magnetism measurements indicate that compound 1 shows switchable magnetic properties. This organic–inorganic material is a multifunctional material with dielectric, optical, and magnetic synergetic switchable effects, which expands a new direction for designing multifunctional materials.

Switchable shape memory polymer bio-inspired adhesive and its application for unmanned aerial vehicle landing

Controlled and switchable adhesion is commonly observed in biological systems.In recent years,many scholars have focused on making switchable bio-inspired adhesives.However,making a bio-inspired adhesive with high adhesion performance and excellent dynamic switching properties is still a challenge.A Shape Memory Polymer Bio-inspired Adhesive(SMPBA)was successfully developed,well realizing high adhesion(about 337 kPa),relatively low preload(about90 kPa),high adhesion-to-preload ratio(about 3.74),high switching ratio(about 6.74),and easy detachment,which are attributed to the controlled modulus and contact area by regulating temperature and the Shape Memory Effect(SME).Furthermore,SMPBA exhibits adhesion strength of80–337 kPa on various surfaces(silicon,iron,and aluminum)with different roughness(Ra=0.021–10.280)because of the conformal contact,reflecting outstanding surface adaptability.The finite element analysis verifies the bending ability under different temperatures,while the adhesion model analyzes the influence of preload on contact area and adhesion.Furthermore,an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV)landing device with SMPBA was designed and manufactured to achieve UAV landing on and detaching from various surfaces.This study provides a novel switchable bio-inspired adhesive and UAV landing method.